Shows
Sporting ChangePart 2 - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with Lynn KachmarikIn this episode of the Sporting Change Podcast, hosts Mat and Raine introduce a unique twist: instead of asking the questions, they hand over the reins to Lynn Kachmarik for an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) workshop. Returning from season 1, Lynn (she/her) is a renowned figure in sports, and has an impressive background. She captained the United States Women’s National Team for a decade, broke barriers as the first woman to manage a minor league baseball team, and has been honored in six Athletic Halls of Fame. Notably, she was also the first female head coach of a...
2024-03-2541 minSporting ChangePart 1 - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop with Lynn KachmarikIn this episode of the Sporting Change Podcast, hosts Mat and Raine introduce a unique twist: instead of asking the questions, they hand over the reins to Lynn Kachmarik for an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) workshop. Returning from season 1, Lynn (she/her) is a renowned figure in sports, and has an impressive background. She captained the United States Women’s National Team for a decade, broke barriers as the first woman to manage a minor league baseball team, and has been honored in six Athletic Halls of Fame. Notably, she was also the first female head coach of a...
2024-03-2531 min
Sporting ChangePart 2: History, Sport & Policy with Dr. Lisa TinkIn Canada, there's a hidden history, a narrative often omitted from our textbooks and classrooms. The reality is stark and the roots of systemic injustices run deep. Our educational curriculum shockingly overlooks the similarities between apartheid laws in South Africa and laws Canada enacted ten years earlier. The seeds of colonization, the residential school system, and the oppressive tactics of Indian agents were introduced by our own government, a dark chapter Canada has ignored for many, many years.
In more recent years, there's been a noticeable push for truth and reconciliation efforts. However, these actions o...
2024-03-1848 min
Sporting ChangePart 1: History, Sport & Policy with Dr. Lisa TinkIn Canada, there's a hidden history, a narrative often omitted from our textbooks and classrooms. The reality is stark and the roots of systemic injustices run deep. Our educational curriculum shockingly overlooks the similarities between apartheid laws in South Africa and laws Canada enacted ten years earlier. The seeds of colonization, the residential school system, and the oppressive tactics of Indian agents were introduced by our own government, a dark chapter Canada has ignored for many, many years.
In more recent years, there's been a noticeable push for truth and reconciliation efforts. However, these actions o...
2024-03-1844 min
Sporting ChangeBONUS conversation with Katrina MontonIf you've enjoyed our conversation with Katrina in her episode "Masculinity & Culture", you won't want to miss this extra 10 minutes of conversation with her!
2024-03-1109 min
Sporting ChangeMasculinity & Culture with Katrina MontonRecent research surrounding workplace misconduct, bullying, and harassment at large companies point to a pervasive issue that has recently been coined as "masculinity contest culture” (MCC). This culture fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to showcase stereotypically masculine traits like emotional toughness, physical stamina, and ruthlessness to succeed. The competitive nature of this culture seen in the corporate world, has now been studied and compared to the world of sports. The persistence of a Masculinity contest culture is often justified by a "win at all cost" mentality. In the pursuit of excellence, there has been a prioritization of pe...
2024-03-1152 min
Sporting ChangeRedefining Masculinity with Dr. Michael KehlerIn our society, traditional notions of masculinity, reinforced by phrases like "be a man" and "boys will be boys," carry significant consequences. Men, bound by these unwritten rules, face heightened risks to their mental health, with suicide rates three times higher than those of women. These norms dictate that seeking help is a sign of weakness, emotions signify inadequacy, and closeness with other men is taboo. Deviating from these expectations risks exclusion from the "boys' club," compelling men to conform to prove their worth. Despite this, society rarely challenges these norms, perpetuating them through various mediums like social media...
2024-03-1157 min
Sporting ChangeEffective Communication with Dr. Julie BookeLeadership in sports extends beyond victories on the field; it encompasses navigating difficult discussions and communicating effectively, positively, and constructively. Today, we delve into the importance of effective communication, recognizing it as a two-way street. Our focus isn't just on delivering inclusive messages but also on honing active listening skills to better understand and empathize with others.
We're privileged to host Dr. Julie Booke, whose expertise spans recreational studies, wilderness education, and educational research. As a faculty member at Mount Royal University, Dr. Booke imparts her wisdom on program planning, leadership, and current issues in sport and...
2024-03-0450 min
Sporting ChangeLeading with Heart with Dr. Cari DinOur guest today, Dr. Cari Din, brings a unique perspective to the table. Not only is she an Olympic silver medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Games, but she's also a trailblazer in education and coaching. From her beginnings in artistic swimming to her extensive academic achievements, including a PhD in "Olympic Medal Winning Leadership Behavior," Cari's journey exemplifies dedication and excellence.
As the Academic Director at the University of Calgary’s Academic Leadership Academy, Cari shares her expertise in courses ranging from Leadership Foundations to The Art of Coaching. With her fearless approach to challenging sport norms and pr...
2024-03-0456 min
Sporting ChangeBehind the Gold Medal Moment with Erica WiebeIn this episode, we dive into the profound journey of an athlete, from the initial spark of passion as a young dreamer to the pinnacle of Olympic glory. Our guest, Olympic Champion Erica Wiebe (she/her) epitomizes the embodiment of resilience and dedication in Canadian sports. With an distinguished career spanning 15 years, Erica has not only clinched an Olympic Gold Medal in Freestyle Wrestling but has also devoted herself to amplifying the untold narratives that often underlie moments of triumph. From her early days training alongside top athletes at the London 2012 Games to her pivotal role in shaping safe...
2024-02-2752 min
Sporting ChangeManaging Mental Health with Kyra ChristmasIn this episode, we dive into the hidden struggles of high-performance athletes, exploring the personal battles behind the victories and defeats. Our guest, Kyra Christmas, an Olympian and advocate for mental health in sports, shares her journey from a small town south of Calgary to becoming a Tokyo 2020 Olympian and a decorated water polo player around the world. As a top scorer and champion of many international tournaments, Kyra's resume extends to her college achievements, making program history at the University of Pacific. Today, she walks us through her remarkable journey, battling both opponents in the pool and anxiety...
2024-02-271h 00
Sporting ChangeSuccess After Sport with Melinda HarrisonIn this episode, we dive into the often overlooked challenges that athletes encounter as they transition from the intense world of sports to life beyond the field. Melinda Harrison, a distinguished athlete and coach from London, Ontario, shares insights into this profound journey. Having earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan and represented Canada in the 1984 Olympic Games, Melinda brings firsthand experience to the table. She not only excelled in her athletic pursuits but also became the first female swimmer inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor. Now, as an accredited professional coach...
2024-02-271h 06
Sporting ChangeInclusive and Welcoming Leagues with Justin ConnellyIn today's episode, we confront the stark reality that sport, often seen as a catalyst for community, can also be a hostile environment for many. Justin Connelly, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports and former member of the Calgary Inclusive Hockey Association Board of Directors, joins Sporting Change to shed light on this issue. Despite his love for hockey, Justin's journey has been marked by challenges as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Through his involvement with the CIHA and organizations like You Can Play, Justin has worked tirelessly to create spaces where LGBTQ+ athletes feel accepted and...
2024-02-1939 min
Sporting ChangeChampioning Mental Health with Colton UnderwoodIn this episode, we confront the pressing issue of mental health in collegiate athletics, prompted by alarming dropout and suicide rates among NCAA student-athletes. Despite lavish investments in physical facilities, mental health resources for athletes remain sorely neglected. Colton Underwood, former professional football player turned TV personality and advocate, sheds light on this issue, drawing from his own experiences with mental health struggles and public coming out. Through his Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation and their initiatives like the TEAMS Act, Colton aims to bridge this gap, advocating for mental health parity in sports. We explore his journey, from his...
2024-02-1939 min
Sporting ChangeInterpersonal Violence in Sport with Dr. Sandra KirbyJoin us for an eye-opening episode as we confront the troubling normalization of interpersonal violence within sports culture. Dr. Sandra Kirby, an educator, activist, and former Olympic rower, leads the discussion, drawing from her extensive career combating harassment, abuse, and homophobia in sports.
Throughout her four-decade-long activism, Dr. Kirby's research and advocacy have reshaped ethical standards in Canadian and global sports. Her pioneering work, including groundbreaking research on sexual harassment among high-performance athletes, has been instrumental in driving positive change.
As we dive into the conversation, Dr. Kirby highlights the dangers of glorifying aggression in...
2024-02-1253 min
Sporting ChangeBriser les barrières: Un parcours olympique avec Marie-Claude DeslièresMalgré les progrès réalisés en matière d'égalité, des inégalités persistent, en particulier pour les entraîneures et les officielles féminines. Les Jeux olympiques de Tokyo de 2021 ont marqué une étape importante, puisque près de la moitié des participant.e.s étaient des femmes, mais des défis subsistent. Sporting Change est fier de présenter Marie-Claude Deslières, une pionnière du water-polo au Canada et dans le monde. Quadruple olympienne, en tant que joueuses (1) et arbitre (3), son résumé de water polo est unique et Marie-Claude a contribué à ouvrir la voie aux officielles...
2024-02-0754 min
Sporting ChangeChanging the Game: Olympic Firsts with Marie-Claude DeslièresDespite strides towards equality, inequities persist, especially for female coaches and officials. The Tokyo Olympics of 2021 marked a milestone with nearly half of the participants being women, yet challenges remain. Sporting Change proudly presents Marie-Claude Deslieres, a trailblazer in Canadian and global water polo. A 4-time Olympian and now retired referee, her track record is like no other and Marie-Claude has helped pave the way for female officials worldwide. Joining her is Clara Vulpisi, a rising star in water polo and a passionate advocate for women's sports and mental health. Together, they embody resilience and determination, inspiring women to...
2024-02-0759 min
Sporting ChangeMenstruation in Sport with Dr. McHugh and Helene JorgensenToday, we are talking about periods!
In fact, a recent global survey reveals concerning trends: half of teenage girls avoid sports due to menstruation-related concerns like embarrassment and fear of leaks. This stigma, coupled with inadequate menstrual education for coaches, creates barriers to women's sports participation. Despite this, 75% of women advocate for open discussions about menstruation in sports. Dr. Tara-Leigh McHugh, a gender equity researcher from the University of Alberta, and her mentee Helene Jørgensen, a biathlete and coach, join us to address this issue. Together, we explore strategies to destigmatize menstruation in sports and ensure t...
2024-02-0754 min
Sporting ChangeBody Inclusivity with Michele LetendreIn a world where the media dictates unrealistic body standards, we discuss social norms surrounding body diversity and performance with crossfit games athlete and coach Michele Letendre. Transitioning from a stellar CrossFit career to coaching and entrepreneurship, Letendre will discuss the damaging effects of body image on athletes' physical and mental well-being. Through her own experiences and coaching endeavors, she challenges societal norms and promotes body inclusivity in high-performance sports. From her roots in Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Montreal, to becoming a six-time CrossFit Games competitor and renowned coach, Letendre's journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Join us as we dive into the...
2024-02-0749 min
Sporting ChangeThe Competitive Edge: Culture and Psychological Safety with Alayne HingJoin us in exploring the dynamic culture of high-performance sports with guest Alayne Hing. In this episode, we peel back the layers of individual values, collective beliefs, and traditions that define this captivating landscape. Athletes navigate not only physical demands but also the pressures, expectations, and unspoken codes of conduct within their sport. Central to our conversation is the crucial concept of psychological safety: a culture where athletes can express thoughts and fears without judgment. Alayne, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with 17 years of experience, guides us through understanding sports culture and fostering a safer, more inclusive environment. Born...
2024-01-2952 min
Sporting ChangeCoaching Athletes with ADHD with John LaingIn this episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspect of coaching—managing human behavior and diversity. John Laing, an expert in ADHD and neurodivergence, joins us to shed light on the complexities coaches face in handling the psychological well-being of a diverse range of athletes. As a registered psychologist with extensive experience, John brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in coaching athletes with ADHD. We explore the unique challenges coaches encounter when dealing with individual needs within large athlete groups. Dr. Laing provides invaluable tools for coaches and parents navigating the intricate journey of youth sports. Whether you're a...
2024-01-2359 min
Sporting ChangeOnline Safety & Cyberbullying with Paul Davis"Correction: In the episode our host references the prevalence of Cyberbullying according to StatsCanada. The correct information is 1/4 Canadian youth are targeted (not 1/3) based on the most recent 2019 report here."
The Safe Sport movement, dedicated to fostering inclusive environments for athletes, faces challenges when it comes to monitoring online spaces outside the controlled environments of practices and competitions. Therefore, parents play a crucial role in ensuring cyber safety for athletes, and in this episode, expert Paul Davis offers practical tools to help in the prevention of cyberbullying. With extensive experience addressing diverse audiences since 2012, Paul discusses online...
2024-01-2352 min
Sporting ChangeSeason 2 Teaser!Get ready for the exciting return of the Sporting Change Podcast: the ultimate sport EDI podcast. Season two has twice as many episodes as season one which means more guests, more content, and more opportunities to make a positive impact in your communities.
Our guests this season include university professors, Olympians, professional athletes, sports psychologists, and more. Subscribe to the Sporting Change Podcast to ensure you never miss an episode.
Season 2 will explore fresh topics like the political landscape of sports, athlete retirement, masculinity, and MUCH more. Follow us on social media for additional content a...
2024-01-1603 min
Sporting ChangeBullying in Sports: Neurodivergent Athletes with Lisa Dixon-WellsIn today’s episode we're tackling a pressing issue that can have profound repercussions on both physical and mental well-being: Bullying in sports. We're shining a light on behaviors that often carry significant implications for athletes, coaches, and the sport community as a whole. Bullying not only affects the targeted individuals as athletes, but can have a ripple effect in all areas of their lives.
Our guest today is no stranger to this topic. Joining us again is Lisa Dixon-Wells, founder and executive director of Dare to Care. Lisa will discuss an often overlooked group of athletes who...
2023-12-1442 min
Sporting ChangeNewcomers in sports with Simon BarrickSimon will discuss the challenges newcomers to Canada face in feeling like they belong and highlight the potential of sports and physical activities to help integrate them. Simon will dive deeper into the power of sports in fostering a sense of community, the barriers newcomers encounter when trying to engage in sports, and the crucial role that sports clubs play in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Together, we will aim to shed light on how sports can be a powerful tool for building bridges and inclusivity in Canada.
Simon Barrick (he/him), is a highly accomplished...
2023-09-2256 min
Sporting ChangeChampioning Equity: Elisabeth Walker-Young on Empowering Athletes with DisabilitiesIn today’s episode, we explores the significant underrepresentation and lack of engagement of Canadians with disabilities in sports, addressing the critical question of how to rectify this stark disparity. to shed light on various facets of this issue, including how to approach athletes with disabilities, the language to use, accommodations for visible and invisible disabilities, and supporting athletes who are born with disabilities or acquire them later in life. Beyond athletes, we also explore the barriers faced by coaches, officials, fans, and family members living with disabilities in the world of sports. To navigate this complex terrain, we ar...
2023-09-2254 min
Sporting ChangeOvercoming homophobia in sports with Brock McGillisFor young gay men, being a part of sports can be a traumatic experience. A study conducted in 2015 by “Out on the Fields'' claimed that 81% of Canadian participants witnessed or experienced homophobia in sports. Additionally, 70% believed that youth sports are not welcoming or safe for LGBTQ+ people.
Regardless of the barriers, LGBTQ+ athletes continue to work their way up the ranks in their respective sports to pursue their passions. However, these athletes often feel they must conceal their sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, which diverts their attention away from training and impacts their ability to focus on...
2023-01-1749 min
Sporting ChangePaving the way for Women in sports with Lynn KachmarikPrior to Title IX in 1972, over 90% of female collegiate teams were coached by women. Title IX was a landmark gender equity law which prohibited gender-based discrimination in sport programs. It created equal opportunity to both male and female athletes in areas such as scholarship opportunities, access to training facilities, trainers, equipment and more.
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Today only 43% of the coaches for NCAA Div 1 female teams are women. When looking at men’s teams, that number drops to only 5%. This reality is not much different for Canadian Universities where only 26% of USport head co...
2023-01-1747 min
Sporting ChangeRacial Minorities in Sport: Breaking down stereotypes with Ashleigh Johnson“Black people can’t swim”... This is a common stereotype that is so widespread in our culture that many people actually believe that it is true. While it is a myth…sadly, there is some degree of truth behind it. Due to the repeated history of segregation, Black communities still struggle to access basic swimming lessons around the world and the reality is, knowing how to swim could be the difference between life and death.
This is a race-based barrier that has existed for generations and in order to address it, we must first understand the history that has...
2022-12-0744 min
Sporting ChangeTrans-athlete inclusion in sports with Dr. William Bridel and Eva BošnjakConversations surrounding trans-athlete inclusion are more important than ever. Transphobia is a systemic issue and sport is still not a safe, welcoming or inclusive space for trans and non-gender conforming individuals. Unfortunately, sport has a long way to go in this space….however, we are starting to see organizations update their policies and regulations to become more inclusive to the trans and non-gender conforming communities.
Today we are honoured to welcome Dr. William Bridel and Eva Bošnjak: Two leading influencers when it comes to Canadian trans-athlete inclusion.
Reading list/other resources:
...
2022-11-251h 01
Sporting ChangePart 1: Living as a Gay Man in Sport with Mathieu ConstantinIn the first of a special two-part episode, Mat joins the podcast as a guest to share his story of being a gay coach and athlete in sport. For gay members of the sports community, homophobia and microaggressions are a reality of their sports experience. In this revealing episode, Mat shares his struggle coming out in the sports community, the impact that “being in the closet” had on his performance and mental health, and his 20+ year journey in sport.
Reading list and Extra Resources:
https://womenandsport.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Leading-the-Way_Full-Resource_Canadian-Women-Sport.pdf
2022-11-1738 min
Sporting ChangePart 2: Living as a Gay Man in Sport with Mathieu ConstantinIn the second half of this special two-part episode, Mat Constantin dives deeper into his mental health journey and the challenges he faced growing up gay in a heteronormative society. Lyle Brooks, founder of Men4More, guides us through Mat’s never before told story through the lens of mental health. With great courage, Mat shares his extreme highs and devastating lows to help listeners gain perspective on what is often experienced, yet seldom discussed, in the mental health journey of a gay man in today’s society.
Reading list and Extra Resources:
Th...
2022-11-1748 min
Sporting ChangeBully Prevention in Sports with Lisa Dixon-Wells and Dare to CareBy the age of 13, 7 out of 10 athletes in North America have quit organized sports. Many of these athletes say that the continuous yelling and criticism from coaches and parents is the number one reason why they quit the sports they once loved. The ‘fun’ in sport has been replaced by a ‘win at all cost’ attitude. Sadly, this shift in approach has led to increased dropout rates, childhood obesity, and mental health issues in youth.
Bullying in sports is a systemic issue that impacts athletes, teams, and sport clubs at all levels. Whether it’s players, coaches, parents or...
2022-11-1057 min
Sporting ChangeThe Psychology of Change with Dr. Lisa Daroux-ColeHave you ever stopped to think about your own beliefs? Where do they come from? Should you explore different points of view? Have you ever stayed quiet in a conversation because you were afraid of saying the wrong thing? Ever been unsure how to talk about an issue; worried you might accidentally offend someone?
In this episode Dr. Daroux-Cole provides insight on these difficult questions as we will explore the power of language, understanding our personal biases and the psychology of change.
Reading List & Extra Resources:
Tavits (Washington uni) and Perez (uni of calif) 2019
...
2022-11-1057 min
Sporting ChangeThe Power of Leadership with Mark TewksburyLeadership is defined as the ability for an individual, group or organization to "lead", influence or guide others. At Sporting Change we see coaches, board members, officials, teammates, captains, parents, and even fans as community leaders.
Many of our listeners take on leadership roles and have the power to influence the people around them. For that reason the first Sporting Change episode focuses on the power of positive leadership in the world of diversity, equity and inclusion.
We are extremely fortunate to have one of the first openly gay Olympic Champions in the world and...
2022-11-1045 min
Sporting ChangeWelcome to Sporting Change!Sporting Change is the ultimate sports podcast to stay relevant and educated when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tune in with Olympic champions, professional athletes, university professors, coaches, officials and influencers as we explore many important topics. During the episodes, some guests will share their lived experiences to help humanize issues, while others will be asked the hard questions as we engage in eye-opening DEI conversations. Most importantly, each episode will provide listeners with tools to help create change in their local communities.
2022-11-0409 min